Secretary Clinton arrived in Jerusalem yesterday evening and, by the time this entry is posted, will be well into a busy morning schedule in Jerusalem that includes meetings with Israeli President Peres and Foreign Minister Livni, as well as a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. At the U.S. Consulate General here in Jerusalem, we’ve been preparing for this visit for the past week, working closely with our colleagues in the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv as well as the Secretary’s advance team. Our two posts are no strangers to high-level visits, although this one is particularly important because it’s Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first visit to Jerusalem as Secretary of State. Preparations have gone smoothly enough that I don’t expect my morning at the office to be particularly out of the ordinary.

In any case, our colleagues in the Embassy in Tel Aviv will have the lead on the meetings with Israeli government officials, while we deal with the Municipality of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authority. This afternoon, both the Embassy and the Consulate General will be part of a “meet and greet,” and our employees and their families will have a chance to meet the Secretary in person. A colleague of mine who’s coordinating that event will be posting an entry to describe what it was like. Starting tomorrow morning, we’re up again, and we’ll be supporting the Secretary’s visit to Ramallah -- about 40 minutes away, in the West Bank -- for meetings with Palestinian Authority President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad as well as a visit with Palestinian young people. Watch this space for some more postings from us on those events tomorrow.

Comments

Comments

Rhonda

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Illinois, USA

March 3, 2009

Rhonda in Illinois writes:

Honorable Secretary of State Clinton,

It's so imperative that the U.S. continues to show unequivocal support to Israel... Please do not waiver on this policy. If you know anything about the bible, it is critical to our nation. There is a huge constituency in the U.S. that will attest to their support of this small nation... May God guide this administration in all of its decisions.... Thanks for this blog.

alan

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Texas, USA

March 3, 2009

Alan in Texas writes:

I wish you much success there. It is a beautiful land. Shame religions have to devestate earth so. We need to find a way toward peace Madam Secretary. I hope your trip keeps you well. Much love, Alan in Houston

Bella

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Pennsylvania, USA

March 3, 2009

Bella in Pennsylvania writes:

How wonderful that you share this trip with us. May God bless Madame Secretary and all involved and give them the wisdom to show stong support for Israel while understanding the need for a Palestinian homeland.

Brandon H.

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California, USA

March 4, 2009

Brandon H. in California writes:

Warm Wishes Madame Secretary and Luck with your travels.

I am so proud of the work you have done the your goals moving forward. I so desperately hope you run again and win the highest office in our land when President Obama is done serving. Much Love!